Abstract: Described herein are methods and kits for authentication of botanical DNA fragments isolated from processed botanical products, including dietary supplements or nutraceutical compositions including botanical extracts.

Abstract: A collapsible luggage scale assembly includes a panel that has a top side, a bottom side and a perimeter edge extending between the top and bottom sides. The panel includes a plurality of sections pivotally coupled together such that the panel is foldable. A processor is mounted in the panel. A plurality of weight sensors is positioned in the panel such that each section includes one of the weight sensors. The weight sensors each are electrically coupled to the processor. The processor is programmed to receive signals from the weight sensors and determines a weight positioned on the panel. A transmitter is mounted in the panel and is electrically coupled to the processor. The transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit the weight to a receiver.

Abstract: A collapsible luggage scale assembly includes a panel that has a top side, a bottom side and a perimeter edge extending between the top and bottom sides. The panel includes a plurality of sections pivotally coupled together such that the panel is foldable. A processor is mounted in the panel. A plurality of weight sensors is positioned in the panel such that each section includes one of the weight sensors. The weight sensors each are electrically coupled to the processor. The processor is programmed to receive signals from the weight sensors and determines a weight positioned on the panel. A transmitter is mounted in the panel and is electrically coupled to the processor. The transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit the weight to a receiver.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and kits for authentication of botanical DNA fragments isolated from processed botanical products, including dietary supplements or nutraceutical compositions including botanical extracts.

Abstract: Methods, devices and kits for sampling for a microorganism or microbial population on the digits of the extremities of an individual are described. In embodiments of the invention, the device comprises a container, such as a cell culture plate, with a growth medium that is delineated into multiple quadrants, which can be visualized through the growth medium, to aid in the placement of a digit within a designated location on the growth medium.

Abstract: Described is a fringe generator for an interferometric measurement system having improved fringe stability and reproducibility. The fringe generator includes a light source at a characteristic wavelength and a diffractive element to generate a pair of diffracted beams from light received from the light source. The fringe generator also includes a lens to receive the pair of diffracted beams and to image the plane of the diffractive element onto an object to be measured. The generated fringe pattern is substantially independent to a change in the position of the light source relative to the lens and a change in the characteristic wavelength of the light source. A broadband light source can be used and the resulting broadband fringe pattern is substantially independent to a change in the position of the light source relative to the lens and to a change in the spectral distribution of the broadband light source.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions, methods, devices and kits relating to the infusion of a catheter lock solution into an indwelling catheter. Inventive compositions, methods, devices and kits aid in diminishing the effects of microbial infection in catheters and occlusion of the catheters. A lock solution provided by the invention includes citrate and a paraben. The solution preferably has a density suitable for retention of the solution in a catheter during the lock period. Another lock solution provided by the invention includes citrate, a paraben and a photo-oxidant, such as, for example, methylene blue.

Abstract: Chemically-amplified positive photoresist compositions are provided that contain a resin that comprises acetal and alicyclic groups. Photoresists of the invention can exhibit notably enhanced lithographic properties. Preferred photoresists of the invention comprise one or more photoacid generator compounds and one or more phenolic resins comprise one or more photoacid-labile acetal groups and one or more alicyclic groups such as adamantyl.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for reducing error in interferometric fringe stability and reproducibility in an interference fringe generator. In one aspect, the method for reducing error in interferometric fringe stability and reproducibility includes providing a light source, positioning a grating to receive light from the light source and positioning a projection lens having a focal length F to receive light from the grating. The projection lens projects the received light upon an object of interest positioned substantially at a distance d1 from the lens. Typically the lens is positioned substantially at a distance d2 from the grating. The values of d1, d2, and F are related by d2 being approximately equal to d1F/(d1?F).

Abstract: A system for three-dimensionally storing and encoding information in an optical storage medium. Information at a surface location is encoded according to the surface depth or width of the location. The information is then retrieved through the use of intensity measurements of light modulated by the depth or width of the storage location. The intensity of the light represents the data value stored at the location.